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Coronavirus live news: Italy considers mandatory outdoor masks; Chinese vaccines to be assessed Coronavirus live news: Belgium limits gatherings to four people; Italy set to make masks mandatory outdoors
(32 minutes later)
WHO to look at China’s vaccines; Japan and South Korea to resume business travel ‘People are tired, we know,’ says Belgian PM of new measures; Lazio and Campania already enforcing face-covering rules
Here’s a quick recap of all the latest coronavirus developments from the last few hours.
European countries face shortages of Covid-19 drug remdesivir. European countries are facing shortages of Covid-19 drug remdesivir because limited supplies are running out, with cases surging and the US having bought up most of drugmaker Gilead’s output.
White House likened to ‘ghost town’ as anxiety over coronavirus cluster grows. The West Wing has reportedly turned into a “ghost town” amid complaints that the White House has failed to trace potential contacts of Trump and his infected aides, with many now working from home even as the president exhorted Americans “not to be afraid of Covid”.
IMF chief says world economy faces long ascent from Covid crisis. The head of the International Monetary Fund has said the recovery in the global economy since the spring is fragile and warned policymakers against an over-hasty withdrawal of support.
Europe must go beyond science to survive Covid crisis, says WHO. The World Health Organization has said European countries will need to “move beyond biomedical science” to overcome Covid-19 as “pandemic fatigue” and new infections rapidly rise across the continent.
Poland reports new record of daily coronavirus-related deaths. Poland said it would enforce restrictions more strictly as it reported a daily record of 58 coronavirus-related deaths on Tuesday, as well as sharp increases in the number of ventilators and hospital beds being used by Covid-19 patients.
Italy prepares to make masks outdoors mandatory. Italy is considering making the use of masks outdoors mandatory nationwide to fight the coronavirus, health minister Roberto Speranza has said.
Belgium tightens social contact rules as coronavirus cases surge. Belgium will tighten coronavirus restrictions at the end of the week, limiting groups to a maximum of four people in a bid to stem a sharp rise of Covid-19 infections.
Finland’s Covid-19 cases hit new daily record. Finland has reported its highest daily number of Covid-19 infections since the start of the pandemic and they now exceed the rate that Helsinki sets for other countries before their citizens are allowed to visit without being quarantined.
Iran to require face masks in capital as virus cases hit high. Iran will require face masks in public in the capital Tehran from Saturday, authorities said, announcing a daily record of 4,151 new coronavirus cases.
Moscow restricts transport for students and elderly as Covid-19 cases jump. Russia’s daily tally of new coronavirus cases rose to its highest since 11 May on Tuesday, prompting Moscow to take measures to keep students and the elderly off the city’s sprawling public transport network.
That’s it from me Jessica Murray today, I’m now handing over to my colleague Lucy Campbell.
Belgium will tighten coronavirus restrictions at the end of the week, limiting groups to a maximum of four people in a bid to stem a sharp rise of Covid-19 infections.
New prime minister Alexander De Croo, who took office five days ago, told a news conference he was aware Belgians were tired of restrictions, but they had to stick to the rules to avoid a fresh lockdown.
Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke said that from Friday Belgians should limit to three the number of people outside their homes for whom they did not observe social distancing.
No more than four people should be invited inside a home, be seated at a single bar table or gather outside. Bars will all have to close at 11pm.
Belgians have been able to see up to five people without social distancing and be in groups of up to 10 people at a table in a bar or restaurant.
“People are tired, we know, but we are going to again ask for an effort for our children, so they can keep going to school, for our businesses, so they can keep functioning and so that people don’t lose their jobs,” Vandenbroucke said.
Covid-19 has claimed 10,078 lives in the country of 11 million people, producing one of the highest per capita fatality rates in the world.
The average daily number of new infections over a week passed 2,300 on Tuesday.
Hospital admissions are also rising, as are deaths from the virus in the country, the home of EU institutions and the headquarters of military alliance NATO.
Israel’s prime minister has announced the country will be installing rapid 15-minute coronavirus test kits in nursing homes across the country.Israel’s prime minister has announced the country will be installing rapid 15-minute coronavirus test kits in nursing homes across the country.
Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video on Twitter of himself being administered the Sofia test, developed by US firm, Quidel Corp.Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video on Twitter of himself being administered the Sofia test, developed by US firm, Quidel Corp.
“I was tested today for the first time by the rapid test for coronavirus (result within 15 minutes). Glad to announce that I came out negative,” he said, adding it could be used in airports, hotels and hospitals.“I was tested today for the first time by the rapid test for coronavirus (result within 15 minutes). Glad to announce that I came out negative,” he said, adding it could be used in airports, hotels and hospitals.
Netanyahu did not disclose the cost of the test.Netanyahu did not disclose the cost of the test.
With the country currently under a second lockdown following a surge in infections, the 70-year-old leader has faced criticism of his handling of the pandemic and is looking to reassure the public about the months ahead.With the country currently under a second lockdown following a surge in infections, the 70-year-old leader has faced criticism of his handling of the pandemic and is looking to reassure the public about the months ahead.
The top US military leaders are self-quarantining after the Coast Guard’s No. 2 tested positive for the coronavirus, Pentagon officials said.The top US military leaders are self-quarantining after the Coast Guard’s No. 2 tested positive for the coronavirus, Pentagon officials said.
The Coast Guard disclosed earlier on Tuesday that Admiral Charles Ray, the vice commandant of the Coast Guard, had tested positive on Monday for the virus.The Coast Guard disclosed earlier on Tuesday that Admiral Charles Ray, the vice commandant of the Coast Guard, had tested positive on Monday for the virus.
Ray had attended a meeting last week with service chiefs, including Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.Ray had attended a meeting last week with service chiefs, including Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
“Out of an abundance of caution, all potential close contacts from these meetings are self-quarantining and have been tested this morning,” the Pentagon said in a statement.“Out of an abundance of caution, all potential close contacts from these meetings are self-quarantining and have been tested this morning,” the Pentagon said in a statement.
“No Pentagon contacts have exhibited symptoms and we have no additional positive tests to report at this time.”“No Pentagon contacts have exhibited symptoms and we have no additional positive tests to report at this time.”
US president Donald Trump is doing “extremely well” and reporting no symptoms of Covid-19, a day after returning to the White House after being hospitalised with the virus, his doctor has said in a statement.US president Donald Trump is doing “extremely well” and reporting no symptoms of Covid-19, a day after returning to the White House after being hospitalised with the virus, his doctor has said in a statement.
Sean Conley, a Navy commander, said a team of physicians met with the president on Tuesday morning.Sean Conley, a Navy commander, said a team of physicians met with the president on Tuesday morning.
“He had a restful first night at home, and today he reports no symptoms. Vital signs and physical exam remain stable, with an ambulatory oxygen saturation level of 95-97%,” he said in a statement released by the White House. “Overall he continues to do extremely well.”“He had a restful first night at home, and today he reports no symptoms. Vital signs and physical exam remain stable, with an ambulatory oxygen saturation level of 95-97%,” he said in a statement released by the White House. “Overall he continues to do extremely well.”
US president Donald Trump has played down the Covid-19 pandemic again, comparing it to the flu in a tweet on Tuesday, and Twitter has responded by putting a warning label on the tweet, saying the post included potentially misleading information.US president Donald Trump has played down the Covid-19 pandemic again, comparing it to the flu in a tweet on Tuesday, and Twitter has responded by putting a warning label on the tweet, saying the post included potentially misleading information.
“Flu season is coming up! Many people every year, sometimes over 100,000, and despite the Vaccine, die from the Flu. Are we going to close down our Country? No, we have learned to live with it, just like we are learning to live with Covid, in most populations far less lethal!!!” Trump tweeted.“Flu season is coming up! Many people every year, sometimes over 100,000, and despite the Vaccine, die from the Flu. Are we going to close down our Country? No, we have learned to live with it, just like we are learning to live with Covid, in most populations far less lethal!!!” Trump tweeted.
Earlier in the day, Facebook removed a similar post by Trump, according to CNN.Earlier in the day, Facebook removed a similar post by Trump, according to CNN.
The tweet comes hours after Trump was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.The tweet comes hours after Trump was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
On Monday, Trump told Americans “to get out there” and not fear Covid-19 as he returned to the White House after a three-night hospital stay to be treated for the coronavirus, and removed his white surgical mask to pose for pictures.On Monday, Trump told Americans “to get out there” and not fear Covid-19 as he returned to the White House after a three-night hospital stay to be treated for the coronavirus, and removed his white surgical mask to pose for pictures.
During the 2019-2020 influenza season, the flu was associated with 22,000 deaths, according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates.During the 2019-2020 influenza season, the flu was associated with 22,000 deaths, according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates.
Romanian authorities will close theatres, cinemas and indoor restaurants in the capital Bucharest and several other cities from Wednesday to try to stem an increase in coronavirus infections.Romanian authorities will close theatres, cinemas and indoor restaurants in the capital Bucharest and several other cities from Wednesday to try to stem an increase in coronavirus infections.
Also from Wednesday, travellers from 49 high-risk countries, including France, Spain and Britain, will need to self-isolate for two weeks upon arrival, except those travelling for less than three days, who must have a negative coronavirus test.Also from Wednesday, travellers from 49 high-risk countries, including France, Spain and Britain, will need to self-isolate for two weeks upon arrival, except those travelling for less than three days, who must have a negative coronavirus test.
Romania has been reporting more than 2,000 new cases daily almost every day for the past week, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 139,612.Romania has been reporting more than 2,000 new cases daily almost every day for the past week, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 139,612.
While 109,898 people have recovered, 5,121 have died, the highest fatality rate in the EU’s eastern wing, and the government has extended a state of alert until mid-October.While 109,898 people have recovered, 5,121 have died, the highest fatality rate in the EU’s eastern wing, and the government has extended a state of alert until mid-October.
Indoor restaurants, cinemas and theatres re-opened in September after being shut since March. The restrictions will remain in place until the number of infections in the affected areas drops to 1.5 per 1,000 people over 14 days.Indoor restaurants, cinemas and theatres re-opened in September after being shut since March. The restrictions will remain in place until the number of infections in the affected areas drops to 1.5 per 1,000 people over 14 days.
Across the country, officials said on Monday they were banning religious pilgrimages.Across the country, officials said on Monday they were banning religious pilgrimages.
The number of Covid-19 patients in English hospitals has risen to 2,783, the most since 25 June, according to government data published on Tuesday.The number of Covid-19 patients in English hospitals has risen to 2,783, the most since 25 June, according to government data published on Tuesday.
The figure marks an increase of 190 from Monday.The figure marks an increase of 190 from Monday.
Another two White House staffers have tested positive for Covid-19, according to media reports, one day after US president Donald Trump returned to the White House after being hospitalised with the virus.Another two White House staffers have tested positive for Covid-19, according to media reports, one day after US president Donald Trump returned to the White House after being hospitalised with the virus.
One of Trump’s valets, an active member of the US military who travelled with the president last week, has Covid-19, a Bloomberg News reporter said on Twitter, citing unnamed sources.One of Trump’s valets, an active member of the US military who travelled with the president last week, has Covid-19, a Bloomberg News reporter said on Twitter, citing unnamed sources.
Bloomberg and other US media outlets also reported that a military aide to Trump has Covid-19.Bloomberg and other US media outlets also reported that a military aide to Trump has Covid-19.
Why are stock market prices rising despite the Covid pandemic? One reason is that big corporations have not faced the economic pain that small businesses have, writes Kenneth Rogoff, a professor of economics and public policy at Harvard University.Why are stock market prices rising despite the Covid pandemic? One reason is that big corporations have not faced the economic pain that small businesses have, writes Kenneth Rogoff, a professor of economics and public policy at Harvard University.
Northern Ireland can slow a rapidly increasing spread of Covid-19 even if it takes a different approach from that across the border in Ireland, the region’s chief scientific officer has said.Northern Ireland can slow a rapidly increasing spread of Covid-19 even if it takes a different approach from that across the border in Ireland, the region’s chief scientific officer has said.
Ireland’s government rejected a call by its health chiefs on Monday to deploy a “circuit--breaker” – a short, intensive national lockdown – and instead tightened Covid-19 restrictions across the country.Ireland’s government rejected a call by its health chiefs on Monday to deploy a “circuit--breaker” – a short, intensive national lockdown – and instead tightened Covid-19 restrictions across the country.
Northern Ireland’s devolved government is discussing the possibility of using a circuit-breaker to get a much faster rise in infections under control in the region.Northern Ireland’s devolved government is discussing the possibility of using a circuit-breaker to get a much faster rise in infections under control in the region.
“I think that it’s possible that decisions made by the Northern Ireland executive would continue to be effective even if somewhat different decisions were made in the Republic of Ireland,” chief scientific officer Ian Young told reporters.“I think that it’s possible that decisions made by the Northern Ireland executive would continue to be effective even if somewhat different decisions were made in the Republic of Ireland,” chief scientific officer Ian Young told reporters.
But deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill, joint head of the power-sharing government, said on Sunday a circuit breaker would only work if it was put in place across the entire island of Ireland.But deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill, joint head of the power-sharing government, said on Sunday a circuit breaker would only work if it was put in place across the entire island of Ireland.
Northern Ireland reported 669 new cases on Tuesday, pushing up the number of cases over the last seven days per 100,000 people to 212.8 from 96 a week ago, higher than the rate in most European countries.Northern Ireland reported 669 new cases on Tuesday, pushing up the number of cases over the last seven days per 100,000 people to 212.8 from 96 a week ago, higher than the rate in most European countries.
Ireland’s 14-day cumulative case total has risen to 110 and the most impacted areas in both jurisdictions are along the 500-km land border.Ireland’s 14-day cumulative case total has risen to 110 and the most impacted areas in both jurisdictions are along the 500-km land border.
Northern Ireland extended restrictions, that it had imposed in some areas earlier this month, across the whole region two weeks ago, ordering households to mix with only one other household indoors.Northern Ireland extended restrictions, that it had imposed in some areas earlier this month, across the whole region two weeks ago, ordering households to mix with only one other household indoors.
O’Neill said on Tuesday all options needed to be on the table regarding further restrictions.O’Neill said on Tuesday all options needed to be on the table regarding further restrictions.
Chief medical officer Michael McBride said there was limited evidence so far that the wider restrictions were slowing transmission.Chief medical officer Michael McBride said there was limited evidence so far that the wider restrictions were slowing transmission.
“The virus is increasing at an exponential rate so the critical thing now is that we see a slowing of the rate of increase in the next week or so,” McBride said.“The virus is increasing at an exponential rate so the critical thing now is that we see a slowing of the rate of increase in the next week or so,” McBride said.
Frustration over a punishing second lockdown in Israel has been inflamed by national resentment directed at sections of the ultra-Orthodox community, who have refused to halt mass religious events and clashed with police attempting to disperse them.Frustration over a punishing second lockdown in Israel has been inflamed by national resentment directed at sections of the ultra-Orthodox community, who have refused to halt mass religious events and clashed with police attempting to disperse them.
While most of the country remained locked up at home in the hopes of curbing a raging infection rate that threatens to spiral out of control, thousands of men gathered shoulder-to-shoulder this week at a funeral for Rabbi Mordechai Leifer, 64, who died of Covid-19 complications.While most of the country remained locked up at home in the hopes of curbing a raging infection rate that threatens to spiral out of control, thousands of men gathered shoulder-to-shoulder this week at a funeral for Rabbi Mordechai Leifer, 64, who died of Covid-19 complications.
Public television showed footage of a sea of black and fur hats worn by ultra-Orthodox men in the coastal city of Ashdod on Monday, with a small unit of police squeezed in the middle, fruitlessly attempting to control the crowd.Public television showed footage of a sea of black and fur hats worn by ultra-Orthodox men in the coastal city of Ashdod on Monday, with a small unit of police squeezed in the middle, fruitlessly attempting to control the crowd.
“The images we are seeing are a spit in the face of the entire country,” wrote the staunchly secular, far-right politician, Avigdor Liberman, on Facebook.“The images we are seeing are a spit in the face of the entire country,” wrote the staunchly secular, far-right politician, Avigdor Liberman, on Facebook.
The pandemic has blown open deeply entrenched grievances between secular and religious Israel that have festered for decades.The pandemic has blown open deeply entrenched grievances between secular and religious Israel that have festered for decades.
Under deals made around the time of the state’s founding, many ultra-Orthodox Israelis avoid military service and live off government stipends, factors that have already led to bitterness.Under deals made around the time of the state’s founding, many ultra-Orthodox Israelis avoid military service and live off government stipends, factors that have already led to bitterness.
Britain has reported 14,542 new cases of Covid-19 on Tuesday, up from 12,594 on Monday, according to government data.Britain has reported 14,542 new cases of Covid-19 on Tuesday, up from 12,594 on Monday, according to government data.
There have been a further 76 deaths within 28 days of a positive test.There have been a further 76 deaths within 28 days of a positive test.
Britain’s health ministry has bought 1m Covid-19 antibody tests that can indicate whether someone has had the disease within 20 minutes.Britain’s health ministry has bought 1m Covid-19 antibody tests that can indicate whether someone has had the disease within 20 minutes.
The Department of Health said it had bought the tests, which use a fingerprick device and do not need to be sent to a lab, from the UK Rapid Test Consortium, and that they would be rolled out as part of the government’s Covid-19 surveillance studies.The Department of Health said it had bought the tests, which use a fingerprick device and do not need to be sent to a lab, from the UK Rapid Test Consortium, and that they would be rolled out as part of the government’s Covid-19 surveillance studies.
European countries are facing shortages of Covid-19 drug remdesivir because limited supplies are running out, with cases surging and the US having bought up most of drugmaker Gilead’s output.European countries are facing shortages of Covid-19 drug remdesivir because limited supplies are running out, with cases surging and the US having bought up most of drugmaker Gilead’s output.
In July, the 27 EU countries and Britain, with a combined population of 500 million, secured doses to treat about 30,000 patients. The US signed a deal for more than 500,000 courses of treatment, accounting for most of Gilead’s output through September.In July, the 27 EU countries and Britain, with a combined population of 500 million, secured doses to treat about 30,000 patients. The US signed a deal for more than 500,000 courses of treatment, accounting for most of Gilead’s output through September.
“Remdesivir has run out,” Dutch health ministry spokesman Martijn Janssen told Reuters, adding however that new deliveries were expected shortly.“Remdesivir has run out,” Dutch health ministry spokesman Martijn Janssen told Reuters, adding however that new deliveries were expected shortly.
The antiviral drug has been shown to shorten hospital recovery time in severe cases of Covid-19. Remdesivir and the steroid dexamethasone are the only drugs authorised in Europe to treat Covid-19. Both have been given to US president Donald Trump, who is also receiving an experimental antibody cocktail.The antiviral drug has been shown to shorten hospital recovery time in severe cases of Covid-19. Remdesivir and the steroid dexamethasone are the only drugs authorised in Europe to treat Covid-19. Both have been given to US president Donald Trump, who is also receiving an experimental antibody cocktail.
Hospitalisations across Europe have been rapidly increasing, although in most countries still far below levels seen in the spring. “Due to the increased hospital admissions, the demand for remdesivir is increasing rapidly,” the Dutch spokesman said.Hospitalisations across Europe have been rapidly increasing, although in most countries still far below levels seen in the spring. “Due to the increased hospital admissions, the demand for remdesivir is increasing rapidly,” the Dutch spokesman said.
Poland’s health minister Adam Niedzielski said on Tuesday the drug was in short supply in some hospitals. Its latest shipment from the EU order arrived just last Friday.Poland’s health minister Adam Niedzielski said on Tuesday the drug was in short supply in some hospitals. Its latest shipment from the EU order arrived just last Friday.
Spain, which has Europe’s highest infection rate, experienced shortages in late August, its medicine agency said. It has now enough doses to meet needs for the coming weeks, the health ministry said on Tuesday.Spain, which has Europe’s highest infection rate, experienced shortages in late August, its medicine agency said. It has now enough doses to meet needs for the coming weeks, the health ministry said on Tuesday.
Britain, which has joined the EU procurement for remdesivir, has rationed its supply, prioritising Covid-19 patients who need it most, the health ministry said.Britain, which has joined the EU procurement for remdesivir, has rationed its supply, prioritising Covid-19 patients who need it most, the health ministry said.
Shortages are likely to stir debate about the availability and pricing of Covid-19 drugs. While dexamethasone, a generic medicine, is widely available and cheap, remdesivir is protected by Gilead’s patent.Shortages are likely to stir debate about the availability and pricing of Covid-19 drugs. While dexamethasone, a generic medicine, is widely available and cheap, remdesivir is protected by Gilead’s patent.
The company has set a $2,340 price per patient for wealthier nations. It says it has also donated treatments for research and to treat hundreds of thousands of patients around the world.The company has set a $2,340 price per patient for wealthier nations. It says it has also donated treatments for research and to treat hundreds of thousands of patients around the world.
Warner Bros is delaying the release of Dune and The Batman movies, another setback for the entertainment industry hit by Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns and social distancing measures that have closed theatres worldwide.Warner Bros is delaying the release of Dune and The Batman movies, another setback for the entertainment industry hit by Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns and social distancing measures that have closed theatres worldwide.
The movie industry received a jolt on Monday when Cineworld, the world’s second-biggest cinema chain, said it would close its UK and US cinemas, blaming the reluctance of studios to go ahead with major releases for the decision.The movie industry received a jolt on Monday when Cineworld, the world’s second-biggest cinema chain, said it would close its UK and US cinemas, blaming the reluctance of studios to go ahead with major releases for the decision.
But AMC Entertainment, the world’s No 1 chain, said on Tuesday that most of its theatres in the US and Europe would remain open.But AMC Entertainment, the world’s No 1 chain, said on Tuesday that most of its theatres in the US and Europe would remain open.
Movie studios have delayed releasing tentpole projects even after restrictions were eased, as people remain wary of stepping into cinemas and many theatres still remain closed.Movie studios have delayed releasing tentpole projects even after restrictions were eased, as people remain wary of stepping into cinemas and many theatres still remain closed.
Dune, a sci-fi movie directed by Canadian director Dennis Villeneuve, is now scheduled to open in October 2021, instead of December. The release of The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson, has been moved to the spring of 2022 from October next year.Dune, a sci-fi movie directed by Canadian director Dennis Villeneuve, is now scheduled to open in October 2021, instead of December. The release of The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson, has been moved to the spring of 2022 from October next year.
Earlier, the filming of The Batman was also shut down for two weeks after a member of the production – widely reported to be Pattinson – tested positive for the coronavirus. Filming resumed in Britain last month and Warner Bros never confirmed or denied reports about Pattinson’s diagnosis.Earlier, the filming of The Batman was also shut down for two weeks after a member of the production – widely reported to be Pattinson – tested positive for the coronavirus. Filming resumed in Britain last month and Warner Bros never confirmed or denied reports about Pattinson’s diagnosis.
Dune has gained a lot of traction for its cast that includes 24-year-old Timothée Chalamet, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the 2017 film Call Me by Your Name.Dune has gained a lot of traction for its cast that includes 24-year-old Timothée Chalamet, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the 2017 film Call Me by Your Name.
Warner Bros’ Tenet, directed by Christopher Nolan, did get a theatrical release but after multiple delays, while Wonder Woman 1984 has been pushed back.Warner Bros’ Tenet, directed by Christopher Nolan, did get a theatrical release but after multiple delays, while Wonder Woman 1984 has been pushed back.
The release of the new James Bond movie No Time to Die from MGM and Universal Pictures has also been delayed until April 2021.The release of the new James Bond movie No Time to Die from MGM and Universal Pictures has also been delayed until April 2021.
Iran has announced more than 4,000 new cases of Covid-19 infection, the most in a single day for the Middle East country hardest hit by the pandemic. Iran will require face masks in public in the capital Tehran from Saturday, authorities have said, announcing a daily record of 4,151 new coronavirus cases.
“The number of infected persons … is 4,151” in the past 24 hours, during which “we unfortunately lost 227 of our dear compatriots”, said health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari. Deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi said the capital was facing a more severe crisis than other parts of the country, as hospitals face shortages of beds during a third wave of infections.
The grim tally was announced a day after Iran reported 235 fatalities from the virus, a figure equal to the record high death toll set on 28 July. There were 4,793 coronavirus patients in hospitals in Tehran, 948 of them in intensive care, and 311 patients waiting in emergency rooms, he said, according to state news agency IRNA.
According to Iran’s official figures, the pandemic has claimed 27,419 lives out of a total 479,825 cases of infection in the Islamic republic. Masks have already been compulsory in public indoors since July, and will now be mandatory outdoors in the capital as well. State media reports say many people have flouted the regulation.
The situation in Tehran has worsened, with provincial authorities indicating it will be compulsory to wear masks in all public places in the capital from Saturday in a bid to halt the spread. Iran has recorded 479,825 cases of the coronavirus, making it the worst-hit country in the Middle East.
It was one of the first countries outside of East Asia to be hit hard by the pandemic early this year, saw another surge in the months that followed, and is now experiencing a third wave, having set daily records two days in a row.
Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari told state television that 227 patients had died in the past 24 hours, bringing the total fatalities to 27,419.
The head of the International Monetary Fund has said the recovery in the global economy since the spring is fragile and warned policymakers against an over-hasty withdrawal of support.The head of the International Monetary Fund has said the recovery in the global economy since the spring is fragile and warned policymakers against an over-hasty withdrawal of support.
In a speech intended as a curtain-raiser for next week’s annual meeting of the Washington-based organisation, Kristalina Georgieva said the unprecedented action taken by central banks and finance ministries had been a key factor in softening the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.In a speech intended as a curtain-raiser for next week’s annual meeting of the Washington-based organisation, Kristalina Georgieva said the unprecedented action taken by central banks and finance ministries had been a key factor in softening the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Georgieva said the IMF’s next World Economic Outlook – published next week – would show a small improvement on the 4.9% drop in global output that had been expected in June. Despite the upward revision, the WEO is likely to predict that this year will be the deepest slump in the global economy since the second world war.Georgieva said the IMF’s next World Economic Outlook – published next week – would show a small improvement on the 4.9% drop in global output that had been expected in June. Despite the upward revision, the WEO is likely to predict that this year will be the deepest slump in the global economy since the second world war.
Georgieva said that the world faced a “long ascent” and that it was vital that all countries, rich and small, should be attached to the same rope. She said:Georgieva said that the world faced a “long ascent” and that it was vital that all countries, rich and small, should be attached to the same rope. She said: